Episteme vetula
Common NameEpisteme vetula
Scientific NameEpisteme vetula
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorsblack, orange, white, yellow
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (including India, China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia)
Host PlantsParsonsia (Apocynaceae)
Flight PeriodDiurnal, year-round in tropical climates
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. The larvae are typically hairy and feed on specific host plants, primarily from the Apocynaceae family, such as *Parsonsia* species. Pupation occurs in a cocoon.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its bold warning coloration: black forewings with distinct white spots, orange hindwings with black markings, and a prominently banded black and orange/yellow abdomen.
Description
A medium-sized moth with striking aposematic coloration, featuring black forewings marked with several white spots, and bright orange hindwings with black patches. Its abdomen is conspicuously banded in black and orange/yellow.
